China won't stand by idly in case of German 5G restrictions - embassy (updated)

United Internet AG

21/09/2023 15:49

(Adds quotes and background)
       BERLIN, Sept 21 (Reuters) - China will not stand by idly
if the German government decides to  restrict the use of
components from Chinese firms such as Huawei  HWT.UL  and ZTE
 000063.SZ  in its 5G network, the Chinese embassy in Berlin
said on Thursday.
    Germany's interior ministry has proposed forcing telecoms
operators to curb their use of equipment made by China's Huawei
and ZTE after a review highlighted Germany's reliance on the two
Chinese suppliers, according to a government official.
    "If the German government really decides to move in this
direction without proving that Chinese products pose a security
threat to Germany, we will not stand by idly," the embassy said
in an emailed statement to Reuters.    
        "Should Germany unjustifiably exclude Chinese companies,
this would not only be a violation of the principle of fair
competition, but would also harm Chinese companies and Germany
itself," the Chinese embassy said.
  
        It added that Huawei and ZTE had long operated in
Germany in harmony with German law.
  
        The interior ministry wants to present its approach to
cabinet from next week.
  
        
  

 (Reporting by Rachel More, editing by Kirsti Knolle)
 ((rachel.more@thomsonreuters.com;))